The 17th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit began in Kazakhstan capital Astana. Heads of six member nations – China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan – have begun deliberations at the summit, the agenda of which predominantly includes accession of India and Pakistan to the regional grouping.
The summit is expected to come out with a joint statement named Astana Declaration to fight terrorism. Drug trafficking is another area of focus at the summit.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit. Both leaders discussed bilateral matters and geo political developments in the region. This is the first meeting between Mr Modi and Chinese President after India stayed away from ‘One Belt One Road’ Forum held in Beijing last month.
The meeting also took place amid differences between the two countries over a host of issues, including India’s bid for membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group and listing of Jaish e-Mohammad leader Masood Azhar as a terrorist by the United Nations.Mr Modi also met Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.